Used S2000 Checklist

WALKAROUND
paint condition and body panel alignment
vin number decals on all body panels and engine (total of 10 for body and engine may have a different VIN that will be listed on original window sticker)
under-hood fluid levels and condition
chin rash and rear subframe damage(from riding up on curbs)
strakes in place (small “mud flaps” in front of each wheel)
fender dimples above rear wheels (caused by lifting at the wheel well)
exhaust and tailpipe condition - soot, smoke (especially at startup)
top condition, inside and out
windshield replacement history
windshield molding bubbling
dashboard bubbles
tire condition and brake wear (wear even and appropriate for mileage)
rotor corrosion
single new tire on rear (would indicate possible spare tire use on rear, resulting in possible diff damage if directions in users manual not followed, ask owner for details)
fluid leaks on shocks,engine mounts, diff mounts, or underbody
cracks in wheel well liners
front a-arm bracket separation (caused by hard track use with R compound tires)
spring spacers removed
slop in half shafts when manipulated by hand
CV boot condition
underbody corrosion or damage

TEST DRIVE
valvetrain and engine noise - cold and warm (should have clean and steady "mechanical" sound without pronounced individual ticking)
shifting feel and grinds at both high and low rpm (may shift stiffly when cold)
move forward then stop then reverse then stop (a single click at the start of motion may indicate a loose hub nut)
gently (don't want to wreck a car you haven't bought yet, do yo? )do the following while feeling for vibration from CV joints, listen for groans from differential, or cyclical ticking from hubs
- accelerate straight and turning
- cruise straight and turning
- decel straight and turning
- do a few slow figure eights in an empty lot
be alert to pulling left or right under acceleration (may just be a low tire pressure)
clutch slippage - accelerate hard in 5th. or 6th. gear and feel for slippage
VTEC transition at approx 6,000 rpm
a/c function
cruise function
headlight, brake, and signal operation
window action
top operation
wiper and spray operation
CEL off

CARFAX (not much of a guarantee of anything but still a good idea for $20)

GARAGE pre-purchase
plug condition
compression and leakdown test
pull service records at dealer
TSBs

GARAGE post-purchase
retainer inspection
bring all service up to date including tranny, diff (both easy, cheap, and often neglected)
oil and diff fluid analysis thru Blackstone Labs (this verifies condition and provides a baseline for later comparison): http://www.blackstone-labs.com/gas_engines.html

Footnote: I am a bit obsessive so don't be alarmed by this list thinking the S is a timebomb. It has proven itself thru years of hard use to be very well designed and put together. Most problems seem to be fairly isolated events and many an owner has gotten nothing but fun out of this car, some things should be looked at before buying, I felt these were a few of them, that is all.

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